The smart speaker market is brimming with various options, and Mobvoi’s TicHome Mini is among the plethora of choices available. With Google Assistant integration and a built-in battery, it aims to stand out from the competition. However, despite these features, the TicHome Mini falls short in some crucial areas.

Design and Build Quality

The TicHome Mini boasts a compact design and rounded edges that allow it to fit comfortably in your hand. It comes wrapped in a splash-proof plastic shell with a fabric mesh covering its top surface. While it might not win any design awards, it can easily blend into most home decor styles.

The device features tactile buttons for volume control, Google Assistant activation, play/pause functions, and power on/off. The silicone strap attached to it offers added portability, allowing users to hang the TicHome Mini from hooks or bags while on-the-go.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the TicHome Mini is its 2,600mAh built-in battery that promises up to six hours of continuous playtime. This portability sets it apart from other smart speakers typically requiring constant power sources.

The TicHome Mini utilizes a micro-USB port for charging but unfortunately lacks any quick charge technology. Furthermore, due to its small battery size and lack of energy efficiency optimization, users may find themselves charging the device more often than desired.

Sound Quality

Considering the size of the TicHome Mini, one would expect average sound quality at best. However, this smart speaker manages to deliver fairly decent audio output. The bass response is lacking due to its compact size but still provides clear and crisp highs.

Where this device falters is in sound projection. The upward-facing speaker design results in audio dispersing straight upwards instead of radiating outwards like other smart speakers such as the Google Home Mini or Amazon Echo Dot. This design oversight reduces overall sound quality and volume, leaving much to be desired.

Google Assistant Integration

As a Google Assistant-powered device, the TicHome Mini has access to a wide range of features
offered by Google’s smart assistant. It can perform various tasks like controlling smart home devices, answering queries, and playing music through voice commands.

Unfortunately, audio prompts often drowned out by the sound output from the speaker itself. This issue often results in misheard commands and repeated requests, attributing to user frustration.

Verdict

The Mobvoi TicHome Mini, with its built-in battery and portable design, appears promising at first glance. However, the execution falls short in several crucial aspects such as audio quality and Google Assistant integration. The TicHome Mini serves as a decent starting point for someone new to smart speakers but doesn’t hold up against devices like the Google Home Mini or Amazon Echo Dot in terms of performance and user experience.